The state-mandated Academic Learning Compacts (ALC) are meant to account for student achievement in all baccalaureate degree programs in the State University System. In compliance with the above referenced mandate, the Action Plans for the ALC Policies and Procedures stipulate that each program’s ALC be published on the university website. Please refer to Page 7 of FAMU ALC Policies and Guidelines downloadable at the following URL: http://www.famu.edu/Assessment/UserFiles/File/famu.doc

FAMU ALC Policies and Guidelines also stipulate that the ALCs be implemented in each course syllabus because it can play a role in defining and shaping a course. It is state-mandated for the undergraduate programs to provide students with ALCs. However, FAMU guidelines request that all programs include ALC, including the graduate and professional levels. A simple statement in the syllabus will suffice to provide information about the ALCs or the ALC document can be attached to the course syllabus. ALCs for each degree program can be found at http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?Assessment&CurrentALCs.

University policy requires the dissemination of course syllabi to students at the beginning of every term.University policy also dictates that syllabi include Academic Learning Compacts (also known as Student Learning Outcomes), undergraduate objectives, plan of study, and means of student performance evaluation. Each course syllabus should include the following:

Academic learning compacts (student learning outcomes) are expected to be an integral part of all syllabi. You may consult with the Office of University Assessment for further discussion and explanation of student learning outcomes and how they can be incorporated in a course syllabus.

Here is a sample statement that can be used to place in the syllabus regarding ALC. Just add in the name of the specific degree program.

Academic Learning Compacts (ALCs): This course falls under the courses offered in the (name of degree Program) and is thus covered by the associated Academic Learning Compacts. ALCs answer three basic questions: What will students learn by the end of their academic programs? Have they learned what they have been taught by their professors? How do we measure these quantities? For details regarding the (name of degree Program) ALCs, go to www.famu.edu/assessment and click on Academic Learning Compacts.

Samples of course syllabi can be obtained by contacting the Office of University Assessment at assessment@famu.edu.